Olanzapine (Zypine ODT) 5 and 10 mg orodispersible tablets: Supply issue
Due to an issue at the factory, the supplier has run out of Zypine ODT 5 mg and 10 mg olanzapine tablets.
10 September 2026 | new 5 mg alternative brand listed
From 10 September 2026, Zyprexa Zydis is funded as an alternative for the 5 mg orodispersible tablet. It has not been reviewed by Medsafe so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
The supplier will run out of 5 mg Apo-Olanzapine, however stock of the 10 mg Apo-Olanzapine remains available.
We're sorry. We appreciate that frequent brand changes are not ideal. We are working hard to ensure this treatment remains available in an orodispersible format.
Affected product
Due to manufacturing and shipping delays, the supplier ran out of Zypine ODT brand olanzapine orodispersible tablets.
Chemical: Olanzapine
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 10 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439840
- Subsidy: $2.89
- Measure / Qty: per 28
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 5 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439832
- Subsidy: $2.42
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Information for people who take olanzapine ODT
We're sorry. We know that changing brands of medicines can be disruptive. To make sure you can continue your treatment uninterrupted, Pharmac has funded Apo-Olanzapine and Zyprexa Zydis.
Different look, same effect
Your tablets will come in a different box. They may have a different look, and a different taste. However, they contain the same active ingredient, in the same amount as your usual brand. They are designed to work the same way as your usual brand of tablets.
Not Medsafe reviewed
These brands are used in other countries. They have not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. This means your doctor and pharmacist have extra steps they have to follow, including explaining what taking an unapproved medicine means.
More about unapproved medicines | Healthify NZ(external link)
Any questions?
Please talk to your pharmacist or the person who prescribes this medicine if you have any questions.
Alternative brand listed 10 September
From 10 September 2026, Pharmac funded the following product.
- Chemical: Olanzapine
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 5 mg
- Brand: Zyprexa Zydis
- Pharmacode: 2737736
- Subsidy: $2.42
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Pharmacists: You will be able to claim for dispensings from 10 September 2026.
Alternative brands listed 1 May 2026
From 1 May, Pharmac funded two new brands of orodispersible olanzapine tablets. Apo-Olanzapine is available for wholesalers to order from Arrotex. We have also listed Olanzapine ODT Viatris, this brand is not available.
Brand: Apo-Olanzapine
This product comes in blister packs with 28 tablets in a box.
Strength: 5 mg
- Pharmacode: 2729636
- Subsidy: $3.93
- Quantity: per 28
Strength: 10 mg
- Pharmacode: 2729644
- Subsidy: $4.49
- Quantity: per 28
- Apo Olanzapine alternative flyer [PDF 191 KB]
- Zyprexa Zydis Olanzapine ODT 5 mg flyer [PDF 146 KB]
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people.
We know supplying an unapproved medicine. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Expected resupply
We are working with the supplier to understand when the registered product will be available again.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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